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Arching over the mouth of the Niagara River at the easternmost tip of Lake Erie, the Peace Bridge connects Buffalo, New York, with Fort Erie, Ontario. More than 4 million vehicles cross the Peace Bridge every year, making it the second-most used border crossing between the United States and Canada. For American travelers bound for destinations like Toronto, and for Canadians en route to Upstate New York, the Peace Bridge is one of several options, but it's the only one right in Buffalo.

The Peace Bridge

First opened to the public in 1927, the Peace Bridge was named to commemorate 100 years of peace between the United States and Canada. Originally built to address the growing demands of motor vehicle traffic, which the nearby International Railway Bridge could not support, the Peace Bridge was the busiest border crossing between the U.S. and Canada until 1992. The bridge is maintained by the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, and the daily operation of the bridge is funded by toll revenue from the bridge itself instead of taxpayer funds.

Tolls and Crossing Information

Tolls on the Peace Bridge are collected one way into Canada. The toll for passenger vehicles is $3.75 USD ($4.75 CAD) at the time of publication. Toll plazas on the Peace Bridge also accept E-ZPass – it is the only U.S./Canada bridge to do so – which helps to alleviate traffic congestion on the bridge. The main approaches to the Peace Bridge on the Buffalo side are I-190 and Porter Avenue. On the Canada side, Queen Elizabeth Way, Highway 3 and the Niagara Parkway provide access.

Identification Requirements

As with any border crossing between the United States and Canada, all travelers must present identification compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) to cross the Peace Bridge. For American and Canadian citizens age 16 and older, acceptable identification to cross the border includes an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), Enhanced Non-Driver Identification, FAST Card, NEXUS Card, Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), passport or U.S. Passport Card. Minors under the age of 16 can cross the border with an original or a copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship. For travelers who are a citizen of neither country, a passport is required, but check with the Canada Border Services Agency or the U.S. Department of State to find additional requirements prior to traveling.

Walking and Biking Across the Bridge

The Peace Bridge includes a sidewalk that permits pedestrians and cyclists to cross the border toll-free. Cyclists are required to walk their bicycles across, and identification requirements are the same as for those who are traveling by automobile. At times, the Peace Bridge may be closed to pedestrians and cyclists due to construction, so check ahead before planning to cross the bridge this way.

Other Bridge Crossings

Three additional bridges in the Niagara region cross the Niagara River between the U.S. and Canada. These bridges – the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge and the Whirlpool Bridge – are located about 20 miles north of Buffalo, and they are maintained by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. Tolls costs are the same as those on the Peace Bridge for passenger vehicles. The Lewiston-Queenston Bridge is most frequently used by truckers, while the Rainbow Bridge is used mainly by tourists, and is the only one of the three Niagara Falls bridges to allow pedestrian crossing. The Whirlpool Bridge is reserved for NEXUS program subscribers.

About the Author

Richard Corrigan has been a full-time freelance writer since 2009, and has always considered himself lucky to be able to combine his passion for travel with his love of writing. His work has appeared online on USA TODAY Travel, LIVESTRONG.com, AZCentral and 10Best.com.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.